Society

Removal of 274 Flooded Cars Underway

MIE, Sep 30 (News On Japan) - Removal work has begun at an underground parking facility in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, where 274 vehicles were submerged during record rainfall on September 12th.

The Kusunoki Parking lot was completely flooded on its second basement floor, leaving hundreds of cars immobilized, many of them blocking passageways after being swept by the water. According to operator Dia Yokkaichi, contact has been made with the owners of all but one vehicle.

Towing operations began shortly before 10 a.m. on September 29th, with two cars hauled out by truck. "Today’s work focused on securing access routes. From October 1st, we plan to bring in 26 tow trucks and 45 personnel to remove all vehicles within the week," said Takaaki Ogisu, head of Ogisu Wrecker, which is overseeing the operation.

Vehicles are being transported to a temporary holding site before being returned to their owners. Dia Yokkaichi has said it will cover the cost of removal.

The incident has raised concerns after it was revealed that some flood barriers at the facility’s entrances had been broken and left unrepaired for nearly four years. The operator has not set a timeline for completing removal work or resuming operations and is still in talks over compensation.

Source: Nagoya TV News

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